Ready to be inspired? I have a simple dried flower idea that will put a smile on your face today. Hello, this is Anke Illner, Holly’s columnist for many years, and instead of showing you a table setting and recipe, I’m presenting a lovely DIY idea that you can use on any surface in your home inspired by Japanese Ikebana (more on that below). This idea looks especially beautiful on a dining table.

You can spot a huge trend wherever you look at the moment and that’s dried flowers. Have you noticed this in your part of the world? I’ve seen beautiful wreaths, bouquets, pendent flower “clouds” and other creative arrangements when scrolling through magazines, Pinterest and Instagram.

And though I will always prefer fresh flowers over dried, I want to try something with dried flowers myself so here is an easy-peasy DIY idea with which you can surprise your guests or use to decorate at home.

Do you know Ikebana?

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement and some possible translations include "giving life to flowers" and "arranging flowers". This refined, delicate style of floral arrangement first reached popularity in the 16th century under the influence of Buddhist tea masters and today there are numerous schools across Japan (and the world) teaching Ikebana. You can even find some books on it and of course, if you Google it, you’ll jump into a rabbit hole of results that will inspire you endlessly.

Making an Ikebana-inspired arrangement with dried flowers is so very easy.

Here’s how I did it:

1/ I bought small wooden discs in our local construction market (you may also get those in a craft store)

2/ I hammered tiny holes into them by using a nail.

3/ I added favorite combinations of dried flowers and twigs.

4/ I suggest shortening the flowers varying in length as every flower becomes visible that way.

In my pictures, you see Lagurus, Ruscus, Limonium, Boton Mini, Clover and Hydrangea (from our garden). I like this little grouping as the flowers not only differ in length but also in shape.

These delicate flower pedestals look very nice on your autumnal table or safely stored under a cloche on a shelf for example. You can even use glue in the holes that you make, paint the wooden bases in your favorite colors, or modify the colors to turn into something with a Holiday-theme. Get creative and have fun!

I am wishing you a beautiful and cozy remaining autumn. Stay safe and sound during this difficult time!

Love, Anke

(Photos/Styling: Anke Illner. Text: Anke Illner, Holly Becker)